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Every Christian needs some forms of discipline in their lives. We're not
discussing forms of punishment for doing wrong or rewards for doing what's
right, although we do experience these forms of discipline from time to
time. The disciplines discussed here are forms of personal spiritual
discipline. To place these disciplines in the proper light, we must first
remember that there's nothing we can do, by our own power, to earn salvation
or become perfected. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains, for it
is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from
yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.
However, when viewed from the perspective of growth, the disciplines offer
Christians quite a bit. The reason we practice these disciplines is to grow
spiritually by opening ourselves up more fully to God's guidance and will.
I've chosen to simply outline the spiritual disciplines
in this study. After each description are the Biblical verses for reference.
Celebration. We celebrate births, graduations, retirements, new jobs,
holidays, and many other things. So why do so many of us Christians become
so sober when we're with God? We should celebrate the fact we're God's
children; we should celebrate because of all he's done for us. The joy we
have inside should be manifested to those around us. It's ok to celebrate
God by sitting quietly or praying alone, but don't feel constrained to act
just like everyone else. We're all individuals and should follow God's
urgings to celebrate in a way that pleases him, not the people around us. As
I wrote in a paper a few years ago, 'If you want to dance, dance. If you
want to shout, shout." Exodus 15:20, 2 Samuel 6:14,
Philippians 4:4.
Confession. All Christians know we're to confess
our sins to God. When we do this, God will forgive us. However, more often
than not, most Christians overlook the practice of confessing our sins to
other Christians. Even those who utilize this form of confession aren't
always using it properly. We need to put aside our possible feelings of
embarrassment and discuss our sins face to face. The open confession of our
sins to one another helps us to understand and help each other. The
confessor is, in a way, asking for help and support. The person who hears
the confession is a shoulder to lean on, a helping hand when the other
weakens, and a source of guidance. We, as humans, have a need for this human
interaction. Numbers 5:7, James 5:16, 1 John 1:9.
Fasting. There are many examples in the Bible of
people fasting. In most instances, food and water are set aside for
spiritual reasons. Other forms of fasting include drinking water while
refusing solid foods and partial fasting in which only particular foods are
set aside. No matter which form fasting takes, the main focus is to deny
oneself the satisfaction of the flesh to more fully focus on God. A word of
warning is necessary. Never undertake any form of fasting without the advice
of a doctor. There are quite a few Christians who will tell others that with
enough faith in God, fasting is completely safe. This advice has led to
serious problems for those with pre-existing serious medical conditions.
Esther 4:16, Matthew 6:16.
Guidance. God should always be our principle
guide. On the earthly side of the equation are the people who God sends into
our lives to help guide us. God has granted some people the spiritual gifts
of preaching and teaching. Great care and discernment is needed to choose
these human guides. Anyone can stand in a pulpit or lead a Bible study and
impress others with their words and zeal. Before following their lead,
compare their guidance with the guidance of God's Word. Don't follow leaders
who contradict any part of God's teachings. We can also make group decisions
based on human guidance, but only if the group is being guided, as a whole,
by God. Isaiah 58:11, John 16:13.
Meditation. Meditation is a way to hear God's
voice. The most important need for proper meditation is a quiet, comfortable
place without any distractions. As Christians, we should set aside a little
time each day to completely focus on God. During this time, we can
concentrate on some aspect of God. Whether we think about some verse from
Scripture, what God has done in our lives, or some part of God's creation,
we're opening our minds and hearts to anything God wants to reveal to us.
Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2, 19:14, 119:15, 119:97, 145:5.
Prayer. Open and honest communication is
important in any relationship. The way we most commonly talk |
